Debate: Are we overpathologising young people's mental health? Research shows otherwise – mental health conditions are not being recognised or diagnosed in healthcare settings

Sayal, Kapil; Hiller, Rachel

Abstract

Over recent years, there have been increasing societal, political and media concerns in relation to the ‘over-diagnosis’ and ‘self-diagnosis’ of common mental health conditions or emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Using two large research projects as illustrative examples, we highlight that there is a mismatch between concern about ‘over-pathologising’ young people's mental health and the recognition and diagnosis of emotional mental health conditions in health and care settings. Concerns around labelling risks us losing a shared understanding and language around mental health and mental health care, within services, between sectors, and for young people and families.

Citation

Sayal, K., & Hiller, R. (in press). Debate: Are we overpathologising young people's mental health? Research shows otherwise – mental health conditions are not being recognised or diagnosed in healthcare settings. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.70019

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 3, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jul 31, 2025
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 1, 2025
• Journal: Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Print ISSN: 1475-357X
• Electronic ISSN: 1475-3588
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.70019
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/52224071
• Publisher URL: https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/camh.70019
• Additional Information: Accepted: 2025-07-03; Published: 2025-07-31